Cricket season

Back to Napier (again!) for a cricket tournament - which saw some very good cricket from these under 10 year old teams. J's team had two narrow losses, one hiding and one narrow win. There were three boys from J's usual team in his tournament team - so it was a good opportunity to play and mix with some other people. The teams all stayed onsite in a camp - 13 to a cabin made for some late nights ...

Waikanae baching

We hired a bach again in Waikanae for a week - very handy to Wgtn and with a great long sandy beach that is excellent for swimming, beach cricket and boogie boarding. Had heaps of friends also staying nearby which made for a very social time. Had a great New Years party and even managed to stay up to midnight this year ....

Christmas in the Bay

Back to Napier for a few days of sun and relaxing with family for Christmas 2008. J is shown with his fave presents - a Phoenix soccer top that he has hardly taken off with matching mini ball - and T with her giant alien mushy belly - which has had to travel with us on these holidays! It was lovely to spend time by the beach and enjoy some famous Bay weather and a few vinos.

Clocked !

T has an oral language project on inventions. She originally was going to do the toilet but someone else chose that - so she decided to chose the clock. Thanks to Google we now know all about the origins of the clock ... and so will her class.

Spring gardening

The front garden has taken off - with our mini toi tois doing really well - amazing how much it has grown over the past year. We even have a few tuis visiting us for the flax flowers.

Halloween ...

Halloween was a Friday this year so we decided to have a themed party for friends (rather than try the neighbouring door knocking thing - which did not work so well last year). Both the kids and adults got into the occasion and there were some fantastic outfits. The kids loved bashing the scary clown pinata that we made up .... it was a late night for all of us

Beijing bound

Just back from a work trip to Beijing - was over for an asianpacific lotteries conference. The place is just amazing - wish I could have stayed much longer to fully appreciate the sights, food, people and the shopping. Managed to see some key sights including the Great Wall. I am now a 'real man' as apparently in China you are only a true man after you have completed a climb on the wall. Food ranged from the v tasty (dumplings galore) to stuff I really could not try (ducks tongues!). The markets were overwhelming, rows and rows of ceramics, statues, handbags or paintings and jewellery ... very tempting. I want to go back!! K

Ohakune trip

We had a great weekend up the mountain in early September. Only the kids second time on the slopes and they got right back into the groove (or glide?) after a reminder lesson. We stayed at our friend's great little ski lodge that they had built themselves after relocating an old dairy from Wellington - their place had a fabulous view of the moutain from their front door.

Dancing queens

It was the day of the first ever jazz ballet exam - all the girls were very excited, especially about having their hair braided by a hairdresser for the occasion. Parents were unable to watch (we would put them off!) but T did really well - and got a highly commended for her efforts which she is very proud of.